My name is Lily Newman and I am a recent graduate of the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in Planning, Public Policy, and Management and minors in Art and Entrepreneurship. For the last year and a half, I have been working in development in different positions and under many different supervisors which has allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills in the non-profit sector. I was introduced to ShelterCare as a volunteer helping with the Spring Mega Dance fundraiser, earlier this year. After seeing ShelterCare’s amazing Development team at the Mega Dance, I knew I had to be part of it.
Time flies when you are having fun! From the get-go of this internship, I was welcomed by the Development team and then took off fast. For the first three weeks of my internship, I was able to be exposed to a series of fundraising and community events. The first event I helped facilitate was the Thrill the World Eugene Tailgate fundraiser. During this event, I was able to connect with community members and volunteers who have been participating in the flash mob dance, to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, for over five years. It was impressive and heart-warming to be part of a group that believes in the work ShelterCare is doing.
Shortly after, I then helped with the preparation of our Run for Your Life 5K fundraiser. For this event, ShelterCare also had a Pint Night at Falling Sky Brewery for the runners to pick up their racing bibs. This Pint Night was an amazing experience because I was also able to participate in a local Eugene Active 20-30 club meeting. ShelterCare believes in building the community around them and that means being part of other organizations as well. This was very eye-opening to me and I have been inspired to be part of my community more.
The last event that I was able to participate in was the Halloween Mega Dance. This was a special event for me because this was how I had started my work with ShelterCare. For this event, I was in charge of the raffle items. I found it fun to connect with outside local businesses and organizations. From this, I was able to connect with over 10 different organizations and raise over $500.
In the second half of my internship, I was taught more about the internal process and schedule of the organization. I had the opportunity to sit in on a board meeting and learn about how ShelterCare manages all of the wonderful programs that are provided to the individuals that we serve. I have also been grateful to have experience working with grants. Grants play an important role in organizational growth and in supporting those who work for and with ShelterCare. I am extremely proud that I can say that I have received about $2,500 from the grants I have written while working with ShelterCare. I was also able to write larger grants that are now in a pending status.
I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have had this term with ShelterCare. This internship has solidified my knowledge in development and has been a great resource for my professional growth in development. Miss Cat and Alyssa, ShelterCare’s Development Director and Development Coordinator, have been wonderful teachers and mentors throughout this term by teaching me new tips and tricks I will hold close as I take my next endeavor. I will be back as a volunteer for ShelterCare because it is such a great organization.
About the Author
Lily Newman recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Planning, Public Policy, and Non-profit Management and double minor in Art and Entrepreneurship at the University of Oregon. Throughout her time in university she has worked for University Central Advancement, The Oregon Bach Festival, studied in Italy, and worked for ShelterCare. She will be moving to Seaside, Oregon to continue to build her community.